Hidden Tokamachi & Kawanishi [Ubusuna Lunch Trip]

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Explore Tsumari’s farthest corners, featuring summer-only school art installations. Enjoy a hearty lunch at Ubusuna House, where local mothers serve deeply flavorful dishes.

Details

9:30 Departure from Echigo-Yuzawa Station (East Exit Bus Terminal)
30min.
10:00 An entire tunnel transformed into art
”Tunnel of Light” Ma Yansong / MAD Architects
The first stop of this tour is Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, which has been popular since its opening to the public.
Kiyotsu Gorge is one of the three most beautiful gorges in Japan, created by 16 million years of earth history. Visitors can view the fusion of the beauty of the gorge and art in the 750-meter-long tunnel. The spectacular natural scenery, which changes with the seasons, is also a must-see.
*Please note: This tour includes a visit to Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel. Due to heavy snow, some viewing areas may be restricted.
25min.
11:25 A story inspired by a train running next to the art
”Kiss & Goodbye” Jimmy Liao
Created alongside a picture book set on the JR Iiyama Line. Step inside the kamaboko-shaped warehouse next to Doichi Station to see the story unfold.
40min.
12:20 People, nature and local communities coexist.
Karekimata Project
This project was initiated in 2009 by a group of members of Kyoto Seika University, in an abandoned school on the eastern edge of Tokamachi. Various artists will create works inside and outside the school.
30min.
13:15 A thatched-roof farmhouse over 100 years old
[Lunch] Ubusuna House
A thatched-roof farmhouse reborn as a pottery museum. Enjoy the heartfelt hospitality and nourishing dishes prepared by the vibrant local mothers.
35min.
14:50 Experience the flow of time and the footprints of its people.
"Passages of Time Tokamachi Takakura Museum" RIKIGOSAN -Kato Riki, Watanabe Godai, Yamazaki Shinichi.
A new installation by the artist long rooted in Takakura Village fills the old school gym. Using the agricultural and folk tools essential to local life, the work dynamically transforms the entire space.
25min.
15:45 A representative museum of Echigo-Tsumari.
Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET/Akashinoyu
This is the main facility of the "Echigo-Tsumari Art Field," featuring works by renowned contemporary artists such as Nawa Kohei, Nakatani Michiko, and 目[mé]. MonET Corridor, directed by BankART1929, hosts a multi-artist exhibition. You can break away from the tour here to enjoy the light displays or relax at the Akashinoyu hot spring.
*If you wish to leave the tour, please inform us when making your reservation.
60min.
18:00 Arrival/Disbanding at Echigo-Yuzawa Station
Notice

・Itineraries are subject to change or cancellation due to natural disasters or road conditions.
・We will select your seat on the bus. If you have a companion for another application, please enter them in the remarks column. There is also a possibility that you may share seats with other passengers.
・Some art works require a short walk after getting off the bus. Please bring shoes that are easy to walk in and take off, a hat and drink on hot days, and rain gear in case of rain.
・The arrival time at the final destination may be earlier or later. Please make your return Shinkansen reservations well in advance.

Summary

Dates 2025/7/21(Mon), 8/11(Mon)
Admission Tour Fee:
Adults: ¥12,500
6-15 years old: ¥11,000
3-5 years old: ¥3,000
For children under 2 who need meals or a bus seat, please select the infant fare.
(Includes bus fare, lunch, guide fee, Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel admission, and consumption tax.)
* A Common Ticket is required to join the tour. If you do not have one, please select the “Fee with Common Ticket” when making your reservation.
Deadline 24:00 (midnight) the day before the tour.
Origin / Destination Echigo-Yuzawa Station East Exit Bus Terminal
Transportation Chartered Bus (Minami-Echigo Kanko Bus)
Capacity 15-25 persons (min. 1 person)
Host Travel planning and execution: Niigata Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agency Region-440, NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization 3743-1 Matsudai, Tokamachi-shi, Niigata Prefecture, Japan Travel Agents Association regular member 025-761-7749 / tour@tsumari-artfield.com
Note

*Tour guides are for Japanese only. There are no interpreters on the tour.
*Please read the terms and conditions of this tour, including the cancellation policy, before participating.
Travel Conditions
Standard Conditions of Travel

【Inquiries】
Echigo-Tsumari Art Field Information Centre
TEL : +81 (0)25-761-7767 (9:00-18:00, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
MAIL : officialtour@tsumari-artfield.com

Contact us for consultation on group tours or travel agency original plans.
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